The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter 15

Evelyn leaned back against the cool leather seat of the cab, her mind buzzing with the events of the morning.

First, was the visit with her stepmom, followed by Susan's call, and then her visit to Derek's office. She couldn't shake the feeling that everything was moving too fast.

The cityscape blurred past her window as she lost herself in thought, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the edges of her phone.

Now that she had agreed to work with Derek and she knew she had secured the interview with him, she needed to find an apartment, a safe place where she and Samantha could stay, away from Derek's reach.

The thought of Derek, Michael's cousin finding out he was Samantha's father, and everyone else getting to know about it too sent a shiver down her spine.

She couldn't let him know about Samantha. She couldn't let anyone know that she had been with Michael's cousin and had a child for him. Not even her family could know about it.

It was then that a sudden realization struck her. She needed to call Claire and make sure Samantha remained a secret for a bit longer.

If Claire mentioned Samantha to her dad and Sandra and the news of it got to Michael and from Michael to Derek, he would know Samantha was his judging by her age since she wasn't Michael's.

This made her pause for a moment as she wondered if Derek knew who she was. They had spoken over the phone a couple of times in the past during her relationship with Michael.

Was he aware that she was that Evelyn- Michael's fiancee? Had Michael told him about her? If so, why was he still doing this? She mused.

Shaking off the thought, she took a deep breath and dialed Claire's number, which she had gotten from her earlier during her visit, hoping that she wasn't too late and Claire had not told them about Sam yet.

her anxiety until, on the fourth ring, Claire's familiar voice answered, sounding

didn't expect to hear from you so

tell me you're calling because you have decided to move

laughed softly, though her thoughts were far from lighthearted. "No, Mom. That's not why I called, but I

sweetheart," Claire replied without

hesitated for a moment, then plunged

about Sam yet,

tell them during dinner. Why?" Claire said and

that I need you to keep Samantha a secret for now. I don't want Dad or

brief pause on the other end before Claire spoke again, her voice gentle but firm. "If that's what you want, Evelyn. But you know you will have to tell your father about his

she glanced out the window at the passing buildings, trying to collect her thoughts. "I can't bring Sam to the party, Mom. But I promise I'll tell Dad about

month?" Claire asked

settle down first. When I'm settled I will tell him. But until then I

"Alright, if that's what you need. But

relief and worry. She had bought herself some time, but she knew

up to The Stone's Palace Hotel, and Evelyn stepped out, her determination renewed. She made her way through the grand lobby, nodding absently at the doorman who greeted her. Her thoughts were too tangled to focus on

out her phone again and began searching for real estate listings. She needed to find a place quickly, somewhere safe and

suite, Samantha was playing quietly with her toys, and Maya was tidying up. The sight of

knew that, but she couldn't give

Michael's cousin it would have been different. But right now it was complicated and she

Samantha exclaimed, running